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Old Sep 9, 2019, 10:35 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: Mwenenzi
Australia

AU Govt-->COVID-19 and the border

Links below may not work, due to Covid-19 changes

Visa Australian Government web siteBeware of non government 3rd party look-a-like web sites that charge more, often found with a browser web search. Only the Australian government web site/department issues visas. These other scam web sites just send your data to the Australian Government web site.

FT thread---> Free Australian ETA Visa application* Click to open the wiki
Processing Australian ETAs for free * to FT members (and up to 3 more friends & family) who have more than 80 posts, AND have at least been members for more than 12 months! Please read post 1. Thanks to Guy Betsy for his service to the FT community

Entry Australian government web site
FT thread --->Smartgate at Australia & NZ immigration Click to open the wiki

Australia
Departure Australian government web site
Departing from Australia

From Departing from Australia > Departures SmartGates






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Australia immigration (incl ETA visa) & customs

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Old Feb 13, 2020, 2:38 pm
  #121  
 
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Originally Posted by a4racer
Based on a quick survey, I think the ETA might be my best bet, as the 771 transit visa seems to be very specific in application. Is one "easier" or less administratively difficult to get than the other?
The only real advantage of the 771 for a Canadian citizen is the fact that it's free, where the ETA will likely cost you around A$20 (unless you've got a travel agency who'll do it for you, in which case it might be free).

The ETA likely has a better chance of being approved quickly, although realistically for a Canadian citizen the 771 will likely be quick too, and almost certainly won't require any of the extra things that it can (like police checks or medicals). The ETA is also good for 12 months, so if you're back again you'll be able to use it for an actual visit to Australia.

Also don't forget that you'll need an NZeTA for NZ.
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Old Feb 13, 2020, 3:22 pm
  #122  
 
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I'd go with the ETA, it's easy to apply for, usually approved within seconds, and is valid for multiple entries for 12 months. This means it is valid for both your transits (should you need it if a flight is cancelled, etc). Yes it costs A$20 but basically seconds after you apply you should be sorted for anything that could happen for your trip. Whereas with the 771 it may take a couple weeks (90% are approved in 15 days) and even then if you have to use it on the inbound for some reason you'll have to apply for another in NZ and hope it gets approved in time.
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Old Feb 13, 2020, 8:00 pm
  #123  
 
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Thanks!
Originally Posted by CPMaverick
I'd go with the ETA, it's easy to apply for, usually approved within seconds, and is valid for multiple entries for 12 months. This means it is valid for both your transits (should you need it if a flight is cancelled, etc). Yes it costs A$20 but basically seconds after you apply you should be sorted for anything that could happen for your trip. Whereas with the 771 it may take a couple weeks (90% are approved in 15 days) and even then if you have to use it on the inbound for some reason you'll have to apply for another in NZ and hope it gets approved in time.
Originally Posted by docbert
The only real advantage of the 771 for a Canadian citizen is the fact that it's free, where the ETA will likely cost you around A$20 (unless you've got a travel agency who'll do it for you, in which case it might be free).

The ETA likely has a better chance of being approved quickly, although realistically for a Canadian citizen the 771 will likely be quick too, and almost certainly won't require any of the extra things that it can (like police checks or medicals). The ETA is also good for 12 months, so if you're back again you'll be able to use it for an actual visit to Australia.

Also don't forget that you'll need an NZeTA for NZ.
Originally Posted by Mwenenzi
FT is not the place for Visa advice

In the 8hrs & 16 hrs are you planning to go landside? Or stay airside in transit? (not go through immigration)
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...a-finder/visit

The simplest may be the ETA --> Australian Electronic Travel Authority Application AUD$20. For passports holders from Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR PRC), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and United States. Check your eligibility & visa type needed. From reports on FT most are processed quickly (~minutes)
Thanks all, yes, I think I'll go ETA for the future proofing (if I decide to travel again to AUS), and the speed of the online application. The $20 AUD fee isn't substantial, and is likely worth it! For the first layover, it's only 2h or so, so I'll stay in the secured area of the terminal. The second, I'm going to find a hotel for the overnight--16h is too long to stay inside the airport!

Thanks for all of your help FTers!
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Old Feb 13, 2020, 9:24 pm
  #124  
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Originally Posted by a4racer
Thanks all, yes, I think I'll go ETA for the future proofing (if I decide to travel again to AUS), and the speed of the online application. The $20 AUD fee isn't substantial, and is likely worth it! For the first layover, it's only 2h or so, so I'll stay in the secured area of the terminal. The second, I'm going to find a hotel for the overnight--16h is too long to stay inside the airport!
Their is a hotel at the airport and others not that far away or in the city
https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/sho...airport-hotels
Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel is located a short walk from the Domestic Terminal.
<snip>
ibis Brisbane Airport Hotel
This 3.5 star airport hotel is located next to the Pullman and has 243 rooms, including 99 superior rooms.
<snip>
Skygate
https://skygate.com.au/
https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/sho...xplore/skygate

And easy to get into the city on the train
https://www.bne.com.au/passenger/to-and-from-airport
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Last edited by Mwenenzi; Feb 13, 2020 at 10:13 pm Reason: added Skygate
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Old Aug 17, 2021, 11:23 pm
  #125  
 
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Does anyone know where I can see the question asked on Australian ETA applications?
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Old Aug 18, 2021, 12:16 am
  #126  
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Originally Posted by Nayef
Does anyone know where I can see the question asked on Australian ETA applications?
Look here--->https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
And here https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas
AU is closed to general tourism, other than from NZ
Are you trying to apply?
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Old Aug 18, 2021, 8:52 am
  #127  
 
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Originally Posted by Mwenenzi
Look here--->https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
And here https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas
AU is closed to general tourism, other than from NZ
Are you trying to apply?
I know ETA is closed off as is travel to AU, and I’m not trying to apply yet. I’m just trying to find out what’s contained in the ETA application and what information and history they ask applicants to provide. Obviously since the application process is closed I can’t check, so I’m wondering if there was any other site or source that might have that info. Particularly if the application asks about past visa refusals like the Canadian eTA does.
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Old Mar 19, 2022, 2:20 pm
  #128  
 
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How to get a ETA visa
Can anybody help clarify the process of getting an ETA issued (for an American passport.) Is it true they are only available through the government app? I downloaded if, but it says it is not supported by my phone (android.) Is my only other options to try a friend's phone? Seems like that not be a good thing? It seems that the online app process is not open.....correct?
Last edited by 1k-all-the-way; Mar 19, 2022 at 2:39 pm
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Old Mar 19, 2022, 2:27 pm
  #129  
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Originally Posted by 1k-all-the-way
Can anybody help clarify the process of getting an ETA issued (for an American passport.) Is it true they are only available through the government app? I downloaded if, but it says it is not supported by my phone (android.) Is my only other options to try other than trying a friend's phone? It seems that the online app process is not open.....correct?
Only via the app is my reading of it. If you do on another phone unsure of what you get (paper-documenation) for entry into AU
Is strange the online application is gone.
Apply for another visa type?
https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas
You can download the Australian ETA app for free from the Apple Store (Apple) or Google Play store (Android). For more information, see our Step by step guide.

​The ETA app will be expanded to the remaining ​​ ETA-eligible passport holders from April 2022.

If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs. European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651) visa.

You cannot apply for an ETA online, or through an agent or airline at this time unless the application is lodged via the ETA app.​
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Old Mar 19, 2022, 2:34 pm
  #130  
 
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Thanks. So if I can't get the app to work, it's a major issue. Have others had problems getting the app to open on an Android phone?
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Old Mar 19, 2022, 3:59 pm
  #131  
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Originally Posted by 1k-all-the-way
Thanks. So if I can't get the app to work, it's a major issue. Have others had problems getting the app to open on an Android phone?
How old is the Android? My (old) phone has Android 5.1.1 will not download some govt apps. (I have no need for a new phone)
++++++++++++++++
If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...a-finder/visit

No online ETA application seems to me to a major deficiency. Not everyone one has a new SmartPhone
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Last edited by Mwenenzi; Mar 19, 2022 at 4:07 pm
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Old Mar 19, 2022, 4:24 pm
  #132  
 
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I have android 11 and my phone is 2 years old...but no go.

Wondering if I do this on a friend's iphone if it will work, or will it somehow be linked to their phone?
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Old Mar 19, 2022, 4:33 pm
  #133  
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No idea. Would expect a 2 year old /android 11 would work. Would expect the AU govt software would cover all brands- newish software
Are aware of people from USA who have entered AU recently.But no idea if android vs iPhone

Something wrong with your phone or link to google store? Check the details link. Reviews are not good
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...hl=en_AU&gl=US
Additional information

Updated 16 March 2022
Size 95M
Installs 10,000+
Current Version 1.6.0
Requires Android 7.0 and up
Content rating Everyone Learn more
Permission View details
Report Flag as inappropriate
Offered By Department of Home Affairs
Developer Visit website
[email protected]
Privacy Policy
Visit website leads --->https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/E...ctUs?locale=en
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Mar 19, 2022 at 7:03 pm
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Old Mar 20, 2022, 12:25 pm
  #134  
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Can travel agents still issue ETAs?
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Old Mar 20, 2022, 2:20 pm
  #135  
 
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Originally Posted by :D!
Can travel agents still issue ETAs?
From the link above, quoted above:
You cannot apply for an ETA online, or through an agent or airline at this time unless the application is lodged via the ETA app.

Requiring an app and therefore requiring a smartphone is beyond absurd.
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